What a new treat for me to locate these pages. I am the grandson of Walter Hines of Wilson (barber at Briggs Hotel). I remember Reggie Henderson quite well from the 50’s (I’m age 72). I just found out from you that my great-great granddad founded Wilson !!! I have some items and pictures of interest about my family and I have about 50 pics and articles about the original Links, Inc., Wilson, Rocky Mount, Tarboro Chapter. I think it was the 4th Links chapter. I’d love to share whatever might be of interest to your blogs. It would be a treat to hear from anyone about this.

Words cannot begin to express just how much I love your blog. My history via my mother are deeply rooted in Wilson, NC! As a matter of fact, our family reunion will be in Wilson this year. I am great great daughter of Gillis and Mary Stephens/Stevens (the spelling of the last name changed between 1900 and 1910). I am also the great great great Elbest Kent and the granddaughter of his great grandson Joe Kent, Jr.

Hello, Linda!! Thanks so much for your kind words. I knew some Kent descendants growing up, and I think I may have some posts in the hopper related to the family. I’ll get them posted in time for your reunion!

Thanks so much for doing all of the heavy research Lisa. I’m a History buff and especially interested in Wilson’s African American History, which I know so little about. I believe Ms Christine Barnes Richie to be related on my paternal grandmother’s side of the family. My late paternal grandmother was named Margaret Hagans Powell. I haven’t had the opportunity to do any extensive research, but came across the names Hagar Hagans and James Hagans previously while trying to find connections to my paternal great grandfather Julius Hagans. I also saw your features on my second cousins, Vanilla Beane and Inez Dade. Thanks for helping me to connect the pieces of the puzzle.

Thanks, Sharon! Always good to hear from someone with Wilson County roots. I’ve researched Julius Hagans’ family a bit to try to connect his father Richard to my Wayne County Haganses, but so far without success. I’ll keep an eye out for any Hagans material suitable for posting!

I have been trying to find out about my great grandmother’s father Lemon Taborn, born 1834 in Wilson, North Carolina. He is listed as a Ward of the town of Wilson. According to the Us Cencus of 1860 he was 26 years old and his job was listed as a Barber. My confusion is how a black child in 1834 Wilson, Norrh Carolina was listed as a Ward of the town of Wilson and not a slave?!? Can you lend any insight into this question? An answer would be greatly appreciated! Thank you so much!

I’ve done several posts about Lemon Taborn; hope you’ve seen them. Where do you see him listed as a “ward of the town”? Wilson was not founded until he was nearly an adult. Lemon was born free in Nash County to a free woman of color who was likely not married. He served as an apprentice until 21 and was one of a handful of free people who lived in the town of Wilson in the antebellum era. (I grew up with some of his descendants, by the way, descended via one of his sons.

Hello Lisa, thank you so much for sharing the photo with the Wilson Times of Aunt Tena the custodian for Lee Woodard. She is my Grandmothers mother’s oldest sister. They never had a picture of her but when my grandmother now 84 saw the picture in the Times she knew right away who she was. She was so excited because we have tried on different occasions to trace her roots but we always run into a dead in at some point. Again thank you so much for sharing it.

Yes, the info has been very helpful. Do you search family trees or know of anyone that does. It is a very tedious job especially when you don’t know the right places to look. My grandmother is 84 and still is interested in finding out more about her mother’s family. Thanks in advance

Hello Lisa
I truly appreciate your awesome research and informative articles about NC. I was born in Wilson and lived in various small towns in Wilson County. I am related to (just to name a few from the Wilson area) Paternal: Alexander Artis, his brother Floyd Ellis, Cora King, Maternal: Short W. Barnes, his daughter Maggie Barnes-Crawford, etc). Perhaps, we are related.
Blessings to you.

Great blog…I am researching the Simms family of Wayne/ Wilson Com N.C that migrated to Ga. Then Al. Robert Simms-Abraham and James..In my research I have some information on the African Americans connected to that family..I have also been in contact with a lady researching the Simms AA lines, she goes by the nick of “seecan05” on Ancestry.com..she has very good research data..may want to contact her.. again, great job on your work.

Thank you, James! If you have documentary evidence, such as wills or other records that name enslaved people born in NC, or photographs that you’re willing to share with Black Wide-wake, I’d love to post them.

Hello Mrs. Lisa Y. Henderson. I’m so excited about this page and finding my ancestors from Wilson. I wanted your help. Im rooted from the BARNES families from Wilson. I dont know much. I know My Great Great Grandfather is Ben /Benjamin Barnes born around 1855 or 60. But our set migrated south to Florence county, South Carolina. Please help! Thanks